14 Tests All Leaders Must Face

I'm just loving these new books I'm reading. One of them is called 14 Tests All Leaders Must Face. It is AWESOME! Probaly because I have had to face all the tests I have read so far and it is such a reassurance to know that God has got me on the right path. Isn't it marvelous how He speaks to us? It is great to be reminded that he was with us through all circumstances.

But I wanted to add another test to his book. He, Frank Damazio, mentions the frusteration test! I was thinking of the times when we are faced with obstacles that are far bigger than ourselves. Immediately we want to get frusterated. Especially when we don't know what to do or where to begin. It is trying... But I've seen leaders (I'm not exception) fall into a little trap. They end up taking out their frusteration on people who are trying to help them.

Isn't it funny how we leaders determine the atmosphere of our workplace? I have worked under other leaders who come in with just a rotten attitude. It is even tougher when the team is giving it their all and things are moving forward but their moral is low because the leader is having a mood swing. Than the team ends up feeling discouraged and start to lose their focus, energy and motivation. The quality of output is lessened and they end up fulfilling what the leader most fears.

Well, we know we have fallen in this trap when we start to value the program over the people who are doing their very best. The flesh gives way and you know it when you see: discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy (Galations 5:20-21). And than we end up valueing programs and goals over the most important commandments, ‘You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ (Matthew 22:37-38)

Ouch! I just hate this trap. But we all must face it. And God bless those leaders who can put it all in perspective. Who can see the project and goals and keep them in the context of Matthew 22:37-38. These are the leaders who go the extra mile for those sheep who go the distance for them. They never make anyone feel like they are just being used as a means to and end. They don't take advantage of people's sincerity. These are the leaders who maintain, love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control in the midst of all circumstances (Galations 5:22-23). And they do it only when they fully rely on Jesus' and not their own gifts, energy or charisma.

Thank you for making us feel valued! You bring new confidence in us! You build our energy and remind us that faith as small as a mustard seed can move mountains (Matthew 17:20). You remind us that nothing is impossible with God (Matthew 19:26). Thank you! Your legacies will never be forgotten!